Australia's key national symbols include the Australian National Flag (featuring the Union Jack, Commonwealth Star, and Southern Cross), the national anthem "Advance Australia Fair", the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, national colours green and gold, and the golden wattle as the national floral emblem. These symbols appear in the Australian Citizenship Test under the "Australia and Its People" category.
Australia's national symbols represent the country's identity, history, and values. The Australian Citizenship Test asks questions about these symbols in the "Australia and Its People" category. Knowing what each symbol looks like, what it represents, and the facts associated with it will help you answer these questions correctly.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the official study resource "Our Common Bond" covers all national symbols tested in the citizenship exam.
The Australian National Flag
The Australian National Flag is one of the most recognisable symbols of Australia and one of the most commonly tested topics in the citizenship exam. It has three elements:
1. The Union Jack (Top Left)
The Union Jack — the flag of the United Kingdom — appears in the upper left (canton) of the Australian flag. It represents Australia's historical ties to Britain and the significant role of British settlement in Australia's history.
2. The Commonwealth Star (Lower Left)
Directly below the Union Jack is the Commonwealth Star (also called the Federation Star). It has seven points: six points representing the six states of Australia, and one point representing the territories. This star symbolises Australian federation.
3. The Southern Cross (Right Side)
On the right half of the flag is the Southern Cross — a constellation of five white stars visible from the Southern Hemisphere. It has been used as a symbol of Australia since the gold rush era. The four larger stars have seven points each; the smallest has five points.
The National Anthem: "Advance Australia Fair"
"Advance Australia Fair" is Australia's national anthem. It was composed by Peter Dodds McCormick in the late 19th century and was officially proclaimed the national anthem in 1984 following a national vote.
In January 2021, the second word of the anthem was changed from "young" to "one" — the opening line now reads "Australians all let us rejoice, For we are one and free." This change was made to better acknowledge Australia's long Indigenous history.
Key facts about the national anthem:
- Name: Advance Australia Fair
- Composer: Peter Dodds McCormick
- Proclaimed: 1984
- 2021 change: "young and free" changed to "one and free"
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Start Practice TestThe Commonwealth Coat of Arms
The Commonwealth Coat of Arms is the official symbol of the Commonwealth of Australia, used on official government documents, buildings, and currency. It was granted by King George V in 1912.
Elements of the Coat of Arms
- Shield — divided into six sections, each containing the badge of one of the six states
- Kangaroo and Emu — the two supporters on either side of the shield. Both animals can only move forward, not backward — representing Australia as a nation that always moves forward
- Commonwealth Star — appears above the shield, the same 7-pointed star as on the national flag
- Golden wattle — sprigs of Australia's national floral emblem frame the shield
- Wreath — in the national colours, sits beneath the Commonwealth Star
The kangaroo and emu are unique to Australia — they are two animals that cannot easily move backwards, which is why they were chosen as symbols of a forward-looking nation.
National Colours: Green and Gold
Australia's national colours are green and gold. These colours were proclaimed in 1984, the same year as the national anthem was proclaimed. They reflect the golden wattle (Australia's national flower) and the Australian landscape.
Green and gold are worn by Australian athletes and sports teams, including the Wallabies (rugby), Socceroos (football), and the Australian Olympic team. You will see these colours prominently at international sporting events.
The National Floral Emblem: Golden Wattle
Australia's national floral emblem is the golden wattle (Acacia pycnantha). It was officially declared the national floral emblem in 1988. The golden wattle is native to south-eastern Australia and blooms in spring with bright yellow flowers — representing the gold in Australia's national colours.
National Wattle Day is celebrated each year on 1 September — the first day of spring in Australia.
Other National Symbols
| Symbol | Details |
|---|---|
| National animal | Kangaroo (also emu — both on Coat of Arms) |
| National bird | Emu |
| National gemstone | Opal |
| National day | Australia Day — 26 January |
| National capital | Canberra (ACT) |
| Head of state | The King (represented by the Governor-General) |
Indigenous Flags
While not directly tested in the Australian Citizenship Test, it's important to know that Australia recognises two additional flags that carry deep significance:
- The Aboriginal Flag — black (representing Aboriginal people), red (representing the earth and spiritual connection to the land), and yellow circle (representing the sun). Designed by Harold Thomas in 1971.
- The Torres Strait Islander Flag — green (land), blue (sea), black (the people), with a white dhow and white star at centre, and a white horizontal stripe. Designed by Bernard Namok in 1992.
Both flags were proclaimed flags of Australia in 1995 and fly alongside the national flag at many government buildings. Use the Study Guide to review all symbols, then test yourself with the practice quiz.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three elements on the Australian flag?
The three elements on the Australian flag are the Union Jack (top left), the Commonwealth Star (bottom left, with 7 points), and the Southern Cross (right side, with 5 stars). The background colour is blue.
What is Australia's national anthem and when was it adopted?
Australia's national anthem is "Advance Australia Fair", composed by Peter Dodds McCormick. It was officially proclaimed the national anthem in 1984. In 2021, the second word was changed from "young" to "one" to better acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Why are the kangaroo and emu on the Australian Coat of Arms?
The kangaroo and emu were chosen because both animals can only move forward — they cannot walk backwards. This represents Australia as a forward-moving nation. Both are also uniquely Australian animals found nowhere else in the world as native wild populations.
What are Australia's national colours?
Australia's national colours are green and gold, officially proclaimed in 1984. They reflect the colours of the golden wattle (Australia's national flower) and the Australian landscape. These colours are worn by Australian athletes in international competition.
What is Australia's national floral emblem?
Australia's national floral emblem is the golden wattle (Acacia pycnantha), officially declared in 1988. It has bright yellow flowers and is native to south-eastern Australia. National Wattle Day is celebrated on 1 September each year.